Kathleen Ann Hugeback
Kathleen Ann Hugeback, born on January 20th, 1961, saw the hand of God and was welcomed into his loving arms on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023. In 2015, Kathy battled and beat breast cancer, never complaining about the chemo, radiation and surgeries that came along with it. Unfortunately, it returned in mid-2023. She was preceded in death by her brother Ronnie and is survived by her parents, Richard & Marcella Bruce; brothers Steve (Barb) Bruce, Rob (Tina) Bruce, Ken (Linda) Bruce; sister Barbie Bruce; husband Mark; mother-in-law Gloria Hugeback; father-in-law Henry Hugeback; brother-in-law Greg Hugeback; son Nick (Erin) Hugeback; daughter Melissa (Dusty) Schmidt and grandkids Rya and Eli Schmidt.
The best daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, friend, mother and “Gaga” anyone could hope for or deserve. Kathy never sought or wanted to be the center of attention, instead preferring to do her best to make all those around her better, by taking a genuine interest in their lives, struggles and victories. All of us that were lucky enough to experience her kindness, joy and optimism were blessed. A woman of strong faith, Kathy lived by the greatest two commandments – loving God with all of her heart, soul & mind and loving her neighbor as herself. She never spoke an unkind word of anyone. Her calling was to be a mom, volunteer, Gaga, champion & cheerleader for those that she loved. After marrying Mark, the love of her life, she retired from a job with the US Government at the age of 24, to be a full-time Mom and homemaker, raising and forming the unique character of her two children, volunteering at their school and encouraging them at every turn of their growth. Kathy played an instrumental supporting role in the birth, growth and success of Mark’s architectural firm. In 2012, she would put her skills to work once more, this time as a grandma, or “Gaga”.
Kathy’s “Happy Place” was Maui, but she loved to travel, near or far. Italy is a close second to Maui, driven by her love of pasta, red wine and a nice stroll down an old, medieval street. She climbed many mountains – literally and figuratively – always with a smile on her face and a “can-do” spirit that was infectious and encouraging to all around her.
A talented, but humble decorator, so many sought her advice or direction, and their homes have her fingerprints and touch that will remain for all to enjoy. Organization was one of her many strengths and it was applied to every aspect of her life. If you were lucky, a little bit of it would rub off on you. Let’s just say that Kathy didn’t have a “junk drawer”, even though some friends would search for it.
A lover of Elvis, anything purple, a good board game and loud, crazy family gatherings, especially at Christmas, her generous hospitality knew no limits.
So, book the trip and drink the good wine!
xoxo
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
Incarnate Word Catholic Church in Chesterfield
13416 Olive Blvd.
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at noon at Favazza’s on the Hill
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation – http://www.bcrf.org
Catholic Charities of Hawaii Disaster Relief – www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org
So many times I would be talking about my family with friends and they would say, “I didn’t know you had a sister” – which is when I’d realize I had left out the “-in-law” when talking about Kathy. Because that’s how I thought of her. I love you Kathy. You will be missed beyond comprehension, but how outrageously lucky are all of us that knew you?
The absolute best person I have ever know. No one could have been any better to me than Kathy and her sister Barbie.When I look around my Villa I see Kathy and Barbie everywhere. I love them as much as if they were my daughters. When you saw one you must likely saw them both. I will miss you so much. The most selfless person I knew, and the Greatest organizer around.
An extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary person. Although I was her father-ln-law, she always called me “dad”, and that thrilled me. RIP “daughter”.
My dearest friend, We will feel so lost without you here by our side. There is a huge hole in my chest and I’m hoping in time it will be filled with all the beautiful memories I had with you. Thank you for always lighting up the room with your beautiful smile and generous soul. A bottle of wine will never taste as good as it did when I shared it with you. XOXO
Kathy was the best of us in so many ways! I can’t begin to imagine or express how much less my life would have been without her bringing so much to it! Love you my Kathy! God speed to heaven!
Dearest Kathy, you are the daughter I always wish I had. You shared everything , your home, your condo
Your love, your talent, your genero
sity and your kindness. Your smile was like a medicine that cheered those around you. You Will be missed very much but always loved and never forgotten Godspeed
Mark so Sorry for Your Loss. We Truly Enjoyed Both You and Kathy on our Ireland Trip. She always had a Smile in Her Face. She will be Missed.
What a wonderful person. That’s the bottom line. She was just a wonderful person and she made other people better because she was. I love you, Kathy and I will miss you! I love you, Mark! I am so sorry for your loss. Hold her smile and happiness in your heart!
I wish I could post a picture, but the next day this was posted..I happened to look at my Dove choc wrapper..weird, I know..(amd it was the only one I happened to look at)..but it literally said, “Book the Flight” and all I could think of was Kathy! What a beautiful soul she is.
Someone as special as Kathy won’t ever fade from our hearts and memories. They lived with such passion and everyone who knew them, myself included, was blessed by their presence.
The sweetest, most generous, kind-hearted partner to Mark and mother, friend, relative. Kathy you are missed!